Description

RECOMMENDATION: Discretionary grant of $50,000 to the Public Leadership Education Network for the Women in Global Policy Program.
 
The Foundation’s Public Policy Program concentrates on efforts to strengthen Congressional leadership and education, primarily through support of Aspen Institute’s Congressional Program and the new Member orientations organized by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress.  The grant recommended here would complement that work by preparing college women from diverse backgrounds for leadership in the public policy arena, at a time when the U.S. ranks 97 th in the world in terms of women’s participation in government.
 
This would be the Public Policy Program’s second discretionary grant to PLEN, the Public Leadership Education Network.  Founded in 1978 by a consortium of women’s colleges, PLEN addresses the underrepresentation of women in the U.S. in decision-making processes in all areas of public policy.  Each year hundreds of college women attend 3-5 day seminars in Washington, DC.  Six seminars are currently offered, covering such topics as nonprofits, Congress, and legal advocacy.  The Women in Global Policy Seminar, for which support is requested here, is particularly well-aligned with the Foundation’s interest in international affairs.
 
Last year, in preparation for our first grant, Michael Gilligan and I made inquiries about PLEN. Assessments were consistently enthusiastic.  Lisa Marsh Ryerson, the President of the AARP Foundation and former president of Wells College, wrote:  “So much to tell you about the wonderful work and impact of PLEN!  The participants…leave the PLEN experience fueled with knowledge and a network.  Many go on to leadership roles within the world of public policy and public life.  All develop a much deeper understanding of active citizenship…We need the PLEN impact now as much as ever.”
 
In 2017, the seminar on Women in Global Policy was attended by 47 students from 24 schools; 57% of participants identified themselves as women of color or from populations historically underrepresented in policy.  In 2018, PLEN will attempt to increase participation from the Southeast and Midwest, regions where women are especially underrepresented in policy leadership.  PLEN is also working with The George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School to improve evaluation of its programs’ impact.
 
www.plen.org